Medical Diagnoses in Grey's Anatomy: A Comprehensive Review of Medical Conditions in Season 6
- 16 oct
- 17 Min. de lectura
Season 6 of Grey's Anatomy was a period of profound upheaval and transformation. Reeling from the tragic death of George O'Malley and Izzie Stevens's tenuous recovery, the surgeons were thrust into a high-stakes battle for their careers with the contentious merger of Seattle Grace and Mercy West. This new, hyper-competitive environment served as the backdrop for some of the most innovative, risky, and ethically complex medical cases yet. From "rogue" surgeries on inoperable tumors to a groundbreaking ex-vivo lung transplant, the season pushed the boundaries of what was thought possible. It all culminated in a devastating, hospital-wide crisis that left no one untouched and redefined the meaning of trauma for the doctors of Seattle Grace Mercy West.
Content ⁉️
Episode 1: "Good Mourning"
A Case of Missed Diagnosis: Severe Back Pain in a Pediatric Patient
Andy (15) initially presented with back pain so severe it caused vomiting, which an outside doctor dismissed as "growing pains." After being discharged from Seattle Grace with a diagnosis of mild scoliosis, he quickly returned with worsening pain, fever, and vomiting. Dr. Robbins suspected a serious underlying condition and attempted to order an emergent 3-D MRI, but her request was denied by Chief Webber over cost concerns, leaving the true diagnosis pending.
Other Conditions Mentioned:
Brain Death: The final diagnosis of a trauma patient, allowing for organ donation. The patients receiving the organs included a 22-year-old with Cystic Fibrosis (heart and lungs) and an 8-year-old with Hypoplastic Kidneys.
Traumatic Amputations: A patient lost both arms in a speedboat propeller accident and suffered from hemorrhagic shock.
High Intracranial Pressure (ICP): A neurological emergency measured at 30, compromising the brainstem.
Episode 2: "Goodbye"
Tethered Spinal Cord
After four ER visits in three weeks for excruciating pain, Andy Michaelson was finally diagnosed. Dr. Robbins advocated for a specialized 3D MRI, which Dr. Karev obtained covertly. A subsequent CT myelogram confirmed a tethered spinal cord—a thread in his spinal cord was attached to his tailbone, causing severe tension and pain as he grew. The treatment was a microsurgery to snip the tether, freeing him from pain.
Small Bowel Abscess Leading to Necrosis
Clara, nicknamed "Ceviche," developed an infection in her small bowel that progressed to an abscess. She initially refused surgery, fearing a colostomy bag. The delay in treatment caused a large amount of her small bowel to become necrotic. The surgery was ultimately performed without the need for a colostomy, but she struggled with profound post-operative depression.
Metastatic Cancer (Izzie Stevens)
Izzie's Stage IV cancer was in remission. Her metastases ("mets") had shrunk significantly with no new lesions, a "stunning success." Her treatment continued with an IL-2 regimen via a port, with monitoring via PET scans every three to six months.
Other Conditions Mentioned:
Pyelonephritis: An initial, incorrect diagnosis for Andy's chronic pain.
Post-O'Malley Stress Disorder: An informal term used to describe a physician's intense anger and grief.
Post-traumatic stress: Identified in a surgeon avoiding his war experiences.
Episode 3: "I Always Feel Like Somebody's Watchin' Me"
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA)
Jodie Crowley (60) was diagnosed with a dangerously large Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) measuring 8.7 centimeters, described as a "ticking time bomb." She initially refused life-saving surgery because she couldn't leave her adult son, Tom, who suffered from paranoid schizophrenia and was having a paranoid episode in the ER. Dr. Bailey convinced her to undergo the procedure to save her life for her son's sake.
Other Conditions Mentioned:
Traumatic Injury to the Face and Mandible: A massive loss of flesh down to the jawbone.
Renal Colic and Kidney Stones: A pediatric patient required extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy.
Shunt Revision Complication: A shunt failure led to bleeding, requiring an emergency open craniotomy.
Episode 4: "Tainted Obligation"
End-Stage Cirrhosis Requiring Live Donor Liver Transplant
Thatcher Grey was admitted with end-stage cirrhosis and liver failure from alcoholism. Ineligible for the transplant list due to his recent sobriety, he required a live donor. His daughter, Lexie, was not a match. His estranged daughter, Meredith Grey, was an ideal match and agreed to donate a portion of her liver, a procedure Thatcher initially refused out of guilt but eventually accepted for Lexie.
Recurrent Abdominal Sarcoma
A patient with an incurable abdominal sarcoma had his third recurrence. Surgeons found his organs completely fused by adhesions, making the tumor inoperable. Dr. Stevens, a cancer survivor herself, advocated fiercely for a chance to fight, and Dr. Hunt agreed to attempt a cytoreductive surgery. Tragically, the patient died during the high-risk procedure.
Erectile Dysfunction Treated by AMS 700 Penile Implant
Irving Waller (82) presented with erectile dysfunction. He underwent surgery for an AMS 700 penile implant, a device with a pump in the scrotum that allows for an erection. Despite his age, his "pristine" blood work and healthy heart cleared him for the successful surgery.
Other Conditions Mentioned:
Papillary Muscle Rupture: A severe, fatal cardiac event.
Optic Glioma: A complex tumor affecting the optic nerve.
Stage IV Melanoma: Referenced by a patient whose life was disrupted by the disease.
Episode 5: "Invasion"
End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) Complicated by Iatrogenic Hypokalemia
Sarah Fremont (27), a patient with end-stage renal disease, was on dialysis awaiting a kidney transplant. Dr. Izzie Stevens made a critical medical error, incorrectly ordering a Zero K bath for her dialysis, which stripped her body of potassium. This iatrogenic hypokalemia caused her heart to stop (Torsades de Pointes). Although she was revived, she lost her spot for the kidney transplant she had been waiting for.
Burst Fracture at T-12
Billy Sheehan sustained a burst fracture at T-12 after being beaten with a golf club. The severe fracture showed vertebral height loss greater than 50%, implying disruption of major spinal ligaments. He underwent surgery with transpedicle screws to stabilize his spine.
Adrenal Mass and Acute on Chronic Subdural Hematoma
Mr. Goldman presented with stomach pains, and a CT revealed an adrenal mass. He later developed acute neurologic symptoms, which were caused by an acute on chronic subdural hematoma (brain bleed), a separate and more urgent issue requiring neurosurgery.
Other Conditions Mentioned:
Multiple contusions and ecchymosis: Bruising from being beaten with an object.
Carotid stenosis: A 90% blockage in the carotid artery, initially suspected in Mr. Goldman.
Pseudoaneurysm: Suspected in a trauma patient with a pulsatile mass over a stab wound.
Episode 6: "I Saw What I Saw"
Fatal Complications of Severe Smoke Inhalation
The death of Cathy Becker, a victim of a hotel fire, became the focus of an internal investigation. She initially presented with minor burns but rapidly deteriorated. The critical mistake was a failure to check her airway for soot, which would have indicated severe smoke inhalation. The resulting airway swelling made intubation impossible, leading to a pneumothorax, ARDS, fulminant rhabdomyolysis, and finally, Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC), which caused her to bleed out and die.
Other Conditions Mentioned:
Extensive Second and third-degree burns: Covering 60% of one victim's body.
Hip and Femur Fractures: Sustained by a patient who fell from a height.
Liver Laceration and Kidney Hematoma: Internal injuries found in a trauma patient.
Escharotomy: A surgical incision required to restore circulation to a severely burned arm.
Episode 7: "Give Peace a Chance"
Spinal Cord Tumor (Possibly Hemangioblastoma)
Isaac, a hospital employee, was diagnosed with a massive, inoperable spinal cord tumor (possibly a hemangioblastoma) extending from T7 to T2. The tumor was so complex that removing it would require cutting the spinal cord, resulting in paralysis. Against the Chief's direct orders, Dr. Shepherd attempted the "rogue" operation. After a failed first attempt, he succeeded in a second, prolonged surgery, removing the entire tumor without severing the cord, saving Isaac from paralysis.
Other Conditions Mentioned:
Pinched nerve and Herniated disc: Prior misdiagnoses given to Isaac.
Osteosarcoma: A malignant bone tumor Isaac had previously diagnosed in a doctor.
Retroperitoneal sarcoma: A challenging soft tissue cancer requiring a complex "redo" surgery.
Episode 8: "Invest in Love"
Short Gut Syndrome complicated by Bowel Obstruction and Septic Shock
Wallace Anderson, a child with short gut syndrome and a history of 15 intestinal surgeries, was admitted with another bowel obstruction. His parents insisted on a high-risk surgery to "buy him a cure." During the procedure, he went into septic shock and died on the table.
Polytrauma (52 Acute Fractures) complicated by Air Embolus
Hillary Boyd (15) was admitted with 52 acute fractures after falling off a roof while intoxicated with psilocybin ("magic mushrooms"). During a complex ORIF surgery, she developed an air embolus in her heart. Against Dr. Hunt's direct orders, Dr. Yang performed an unauthorized open thoracotomy to remove the embolus, saving her life.
Subdural Hematoma and Intracranial Hemorrhage (Preemie)
Laura Young, 30 weeks pregnant, was in a car accident and diagnosed with a subdural hematoma. Her baby was in distress, suffering a stroke in the womb. An emergency C-section was performed simultaneously with the mother's craniotomy. The premature baby struggled, but Dr. Karev stabilized her using the Kangaroo hold (skin-to-skin contact), which kick-started the baby's system.
Other Conditions Mentioned:
Psilocybin Intoxication: Found in Hillary Boyd's tox screen.
Elevated Intracranial Pressure (ICP): Experienced by the mother with the head injury.
Asthma: A pediatric patient on the floor had died from this condition.
Episode 9: "New History"
Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH)
Dr. Izzie Stevens's high school science teacher, Dr. Singer, was admitted with acute confusion and frequent falls, having been previously misdiagnosed with Alzheimer's. Izzie suspected an intracranial bleed and performed a spinal tap. Following the procedure, he became lucid. This confirmed the diagnosis of Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH), a buildup of cerebrospinal fluid. The permanent treatment was a shunt to drain the excess fluid, which was successfully placed.
Anomalous Left Coronary Artery from the Pulmonary Artery (ALCAPA)
Casey (8) presented with severe breathing difficulties, misdiagnosed as asthma. Dr. Teddy Altman suspected Cardiac asthma and correctly inferred a "febrile seizure" in her history was actually a heart attack. The final diagnosis was ALCAPA, a congenital heart defect where the coronary artery attaches to the pulmonary artery instead of the aorta. The condition was corrected with a Takeuchi repair.
Other Conditions Mentioned:
Alzheimer's and Dementia: The initial incorrect diagnoses for Dr. Singer.
Sick sinus syndrome: A heart rhythm problem requiring a temporary pacemaker.
Clipped the common bile duct: A severe iatrogenic injury during a cholecystectomy.
Cardiac asthma: Wheezing caused by an underlying heart issue.
Episode 10: "Holidaze"
Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM)
Nicholas Jacobsen (6) had a brain AVM causing severe, ongoing nosebleeds. Surgery was blocked because no existing instruments could reach the feeding vessels through his small nasal cavity. He returned in hypovolemic shock. Dr. Shepherd and Dr. Robbins, using their own money, funded the completion of a prototype instrument. Using this new tool, they successfully went through the nose to the base of the skull and eliminated the AVM.
Post-Transplant Pseudoaneurysm and Bowel Infarction
Kelsey's recently transplanted heart failed due to a massive pseudoaneurysm at the suture line. Dr. Altman removed the dying organ and kept Kelsey alive with two ventricular assist devices (VADs) attached directly to her blood vessels—a "miracle." While awaiting a new heart, poor circulation caused part of her bowel to die (bowel infarction). Too unstable for general anesthesia, Dr. Bailey performed a laparoscopic bowel repair while Kelsey was awake on the table, using only local anesthetic. She later received a new heart.
Other Conditions Mentioned:
Situational Depression: Offered as a correct diagnosis for a character's past alcoholism.
Sepsis and Hypotension: Prevented the use of general anesthesia.
Brain Death: Confirmed in a trauma patient, making them an organ donor.
Episode 11: "Blink"
Fetal Amniotic Band Syndrome
Sloan, Mark Sloan's 18-year-old pregnant daughter, was diagnosed with Amniotic Band Syndrome in her unborn child. Strands of amniotic tissue were wrapped around the baby's legs, constricting circulation and risking the loss of one or both limbs. Fetal surgery to remove the bands was halted when it was discovered Sloan's uterine arteries were engorged, making the procedure too risky for her.
Traumatic Splenic Laceration and Chronic Knee Degeneration
Tom Kates, a professional quarterback, was admitted with a concussion and a bleeding splenic laceration, requiring a splenectomy. X-rays also revealed his knee was "completely shot," a chronic degenerative condition. Kates was suffering from panic attacks and wanted to retire. To give him a medical reason to do so, the orthopedic team recommended a total knee replacement, permanently ending his career.
Other Conditions Mentioned:
Common Bile Duct Injury: A serious surgical error from a previous cholecystectomy.
Cardiac Valve Pathology: A patient required a valve replacement, with discussion over mechanical, porcine, or bovine options.
Panic Attack: Experienced by the quarterback due to his fear of being injured.
Episode 12: "I Like You So Much Better When You're Naked"
Pleural Mesothelioma: Novel Application of Hot Chemo Lavage
Mr. Mafrici, a singer, was diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma, a massive tumor surrounding his lung. The standard treatment was to remove the lung, which he refused, stating he would "rather die" than lose his singing ability. Dr. Altman chose an unconventional approach: removing the visible tumor and treating the lung with intrapleural hyperthermic chemotherapy (hot chemo lavage). This technique, typically used in abdominal surgery, successfully preserved his lung.
Adult Varicella (Chickenpox)
Pediatric surgeon Dr. Robbins, having never been vaccinated or infected, contracted chickenpox. Highly contagious and in severe discomfort, she was quarantined to prevent an outbreak.
Other Conditions Mentioned:
Alcoholism: Referenced in relation to the Chief of Surgery.
Tibial plateau fracture and Lisfranc fracture: Orthopedic cases listed on the board.
Uterine artery nick: A surgical complication that occurred in a different hospital.
Episode 13: "State of Love and Trust"
Ruptured Aortic Arch Dissection
A young boy named Brad presented with severe, intermittent abdominal pain. During an exploratory laparoscopy, he became unstable and suffered massive internal bleeding. The final diagnosis was a Ruptured Aortic Arch Dissection, an extremely difficult diagnosis as the cardiac symptoms presented as abdominal pain. He was stabilized and rushed to the OR for an emergency repair.
Anesthesia Awareness due to Rapid Drug Metabolism
Leslie Wilson woke up during a tumor resection, a complication known as Anesthesia Awareness. She could feel and smell everything but was unable to move. Post-operative investigation revealed her cytochrome p-450 results showed she metabolizes anesthetic drugs significantly faster than average. She required a second surgery for bleeding, and the anesthesiologist was prepared with an adjusted dosage.
Other Conditions Mentioned:
Hip Decubitus Ulcer: A pressure sore a doctor was asked to check.
Chronic Mesenteric Ischemia: A differential diagnosis considered for Brad's abdominal pain.
Post-operative Bleeding: Leslie's incision site would not stop bleeding.
Episode 14: "Valentine's Day Massacre"
Traumatic Amputation Necessitating Temporary Ectopic Replantation
Frankie, a dishwasher injured in a restaurant roof collapse, suffered a traumatic amputation of his left arm. The wound was macerated and contaminated from dirty dishwater. To save the limb, surgeons performed a Temporary Ectopic Replantation: the severed arm was attached to his epigastric region to secure a blood supply and keep it viable while the original stump healed.
Fatal Epidural Bleed Secondary to Depressed Skull Fracture
Emile, the head waiter, was admitted with a depressed skull fracture and a subdural hematoma. During surgery, he suffered an unforeseen epidural bleed. The middle meningeal artery was completely severed, and surgeons were unable to control the bleeding, leading to his death.
Other Conditions Mentioned:
Sucking chest wound and Massive head wound: Severe traumas from the collapse.
Tracheobronchial tear: A rupture in the windpipe, identified as the cause of a large air leak in a patient's chest tube.
Torn splenic artery: A complication during surgery resulting in the loss of a patient's spleen.
Episode 15: "The Time Warp"
Porphyria
In a flashback to her intern year, Dr. Bailey recounted the case of Alicia Tatum, who presented with non-focal abdominal pain. After a series of misdiagnoses and unnecessary surgeries (a cholecystectomy and a negative appendectomy), Bailey identified the rare "zebra" diagnosis. Alicia's symptoms of weakness, palpitations, skin changes, and intermittently dark urine were classic signs of Porphyria. The correct treatment was intravenous hemin, which resolved her illness without further surgery.
Other Conditions Mentioned:
GRID (Gay-related immune deficiency): The original 1982 term for what would become known as AIDS, featured in a flashback case.
Cryptococcus and Kaposi's Sarcoma: Opportunistic infections and cancers associated with AIDS.
Pericardial Tamponade: An acute emergency that occurred during an orthopedic surgery.
Episode 16: "Perfect Little Accident"
Pulmonary Fibrosis and Ex Vivo Lung Repair
Elliot Meyer suffered from severe pulmonary fibrosis as a side effect of radiation treatment for cancer. He was a high-risk transplant candidate. Dr. Altman spearheaded an innovative ex vivo lung repair: damaged donor lungs, normally discarded, were repaired on bypass outside the body and then transplanted. The procedure, the first of its kind in the United States, was a success.
Bowel Obstruction and Post-Surgical Complication Due to Suture Allergy
The legendary surgeon Dr. Harper Avery was admitted with a bowel obstruction. He insisted on being awake to observe his own surgery and directed the team to use chromic suture. Post-operatively, he went into shock. Re-operation revealed his anastomosis was leaking; he had a severe, unknown allergy to the chromic suture. The repair was redone with silk suture.
Otosclerosis Correction
Mrs. Nelson was diagnosed with otosclerosis, an abnormal bone growth in the middle ear that had left her deaf for years. Dr. Sloan proposed a procedure to remove the abnormal bones, which would restore her hearing.
Other Conditions Mentioned:
Ascending cholangitis: An initial suspected diagnosis for Harper Avery.
Leukemia and Lymphoma: Cancers that Elliot Meyer had previously survived.
V-tach (Ventricular Tachycardia): A rapid, irregular heart rhythm.
Episode 17: "Push"
Complex Retroperitoneal Tumor
Audrey Taylor was diagnosed with a massive, football-sized retroperitoneal tumor wrapped around her organs, which had failed to respond to multiple treatments. To give her a chance to see her daughter's wedding, surgeons undertook a hazardous operation. In a breakthrough moment, Dr. Webber suggested taking the liver out to clean off the tumor ex vivo while working on the vascular supply, a procedure never attempted before.
Post-Pneumonectomy Syndrome
Todd, who had his right lung removed as a child, presented with difficulty breathing. The diagnosis was post-pneumonectomy syndrome: his heart had "drifted" into the empty space, compressing his bronchus. The treatment involved repositioning the heart and stabilizing it with saline implants.
Ruptured Hepatic Cyst
A young boy named Noah was admitted with a high fever and septic symptoms. A CT scan revealed a ruptured cyst on his liver, likely caused by a hard "bear hug" from his father. He required immediate surgery to excise the cyst.
Other Conditions Mentioned:
Sepsis: The severe systemic infection in the pediatric patient.
Hypotension: Low blood pressure that occurred during the saline implant surgery.
Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs): Discussed in the context of safe dating practices.
Episode 18: "Suicide Is Painless"
Stage IV Large Cell Lung Cancer and Physician-Assisted Suicide
Kim Allan was diagnosed with terminal Stage IV large cell lung cancer with less than six months to live. She was suffering from pulmonary edema and severe difficulty breathing. She exercised her legal right in Washington state to pursue physician-assisted suicide. After rigorous confirmation of her prognosis (including a bronchoscopy), her request was granted, and she received the prescribed barbiturates to end her life peacefully.
Ependymoma (Intraventricular Brain Tumor)
A female patient presenting with recurrent abdominal pain and positional nausea was diagnosed with a huge ependymoma, a type of brain tumor, pressing on the floor of her fourth ventricle. She was scheduled for an intraventricular resection.
Traumatic Injuries (Multiple Fractures and Frostbite)
Nick Kelsey presented with multiple injuries from a skiing accident, including an open fracture of the left tibia, a left hip fracture, an ankle dislocation, and frostbite on his fingers.
Other Conditions Mentioned:
Ulcer and Gastritis: Previous misdiagnoses for the ependymoma patient.
The "triad of death": Hypothermia, coagulopathy, and acidosis, mentioned in the context of a military trauma case.
Bad knees: A chronic complaint mentioned by one of the patient's friends.
Episode 19: "Sympathy for the Parents"
Recurrent Periampullary Tumor Complicated by Massive Cerebral Hemorrhage
Mrs. Alison Clark fainted and was found to be anemic and guaiac positive. Imaging revealed a recurrent, friable tumor near the ampulla of Vater. Dr. Webber successfully resected the tumor. However, post-operatively, she suffered a massive hemorrhage in her brain, leading to an irreversible coma. As per her advanced directive, she was taken off mechanical ventilation and passed away.
Multiple Gunshot Wounds Requiring Traumatic Hysterectomy
Officer Gina Thompson (34) was brought in with multiple GSWs. One bullet, a "devastator," lodged near her liver. Surgery revealed three bowel injuries and severe bleeding in the retroperitoneum involving the uterine artery. To control the bleed and save her life, the team was forced to perform a hysterectomy, resulting in the loss of her ability to have children.
Umbilical Hernia
Aaron Karev, Alex's brother, required a pro bono surgery for an umbilical hernia, which Dr. Bailey repaired using mesh.
Other Conditions Mentioned:
Anemia: Noted in Mrs. Clark, linked to her internal bleeding.
Bleeding in the retroperitoneum: The severe internal hemorrhage involving the uterine artery.
Post-Traumatic/Triggered state: A psychological condition requiring ongoing therapy.
Episode 20: "Hook, Line and Sinner"
Klebsiella Pneumonia Complicating Severe Trauma
A father and son, Walter and Doug, were injured in a fishing boat accident. Walter had a large shark hook penetrating his chest. Both developed systemic symptoms, including fever and coughing up blood. The final diagnosis was Klebsiella pneumonia, a highly contagious infection. Walter's large hemothorax was found to be a mix of blood and an empyema (pus) from the infection.
Other Conditions Mentioned:
Depressed Skull Fracture: Sustained by Doug in the accident.
Postpartum Hormones: Referenced regarding a character's emotional state.
Sepsis: The life-threatening systemic response to the Klebsiella infection.
Episode 21: "How Insensitive"
Perforated Colon Secondary to Diverticulitis and Morbid Obesity
Bobby Corso, weighing 678 pounds, arrived with acute stomach pains. He was immobilized by his morbid obesity, which also caused diabetes. A severe deep tissue infection and abscess under his belly were discovered. The hospital's CT scanner couldn't support his weight. During an extremely high-risk surgery, the final diagnosis was revealed: Diverticulitis leading to a Perforated and infected Colon. He survived the surgery but faced a long, difficult recovery.
Myocardial Infarction Leading to Ventricular Wall Rupture
Nancy Temple (39) was diagnosed with a heart attack, presenting with non-classic symptoms of nausea and dizziness. Her condition deteriorated rapidly when an echo revealed a ventricular wall rupture. An immediate attempt was made to surgically sew the hole, despite her heart tissue being weak "like paper."
Other Conditions Mentioned:
Morbid Obesity: The underlying condition causing severe surgical risks.
Diabetes: A secondary condition that increased the risk of ketoacidotic coma.
Acute Hemorrhagic Stroke: Referenced in a discussion about legal proceedings and brain death.
Episode 22: "Shiny Happy People"
Superior Canal Dehiscence Syndrome
Hayley May (16), previously diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia, presented after attempting to claw her eyes out. Her symptoms included hyperacusis, vertigo, and tinnitus. The final diagnosis was Superior Canal Dehiscence Syndrome (SCDS), a rare condition caused by a small hole in her inner ear. This hole caused her to hear everything inside her body and magnified external sounds. The condition was treated surgically by closing the canal.
Sick Sinus Syndrome and Diaphragmatic Rupture
Henry Stamm (75) was admitted with broken ribs after a fall. He was diagnosed with sick sinus syndrome, an irregular heart rhythm causing blackouts, which would require a pacemaker. A CT also revealed a diaphragmatic rupture from the fall, which needed surgical repair.
Burn Unit Infection
Amber Collier, a burn unit patient, was undergoing hair restoration using a tissue expander. Films revealed an infection in her fingers severe enough to require the amputation of three fingers.
Other Conditions Mentioned:
Paranoid schizophrenic: Hayley's previous, incorrect diagnosis.
Cholesteatoma: A differential diagnosis considered for Hayley.
Arterial flutter: A type of irregular heart rhythm that recurred in Henry.
Episodes 23 & 24: "Sanctuary" & "Death and All His Friends"
Multiple Gunshot Wounds (GSW) Secondary to Hospital Active Shooter Incident
The season culminated in a hospital-wide crisis when a grieving gunman, Gary Clark, began shooting surgeons he blamed for his wife's death. This led to multiple, critical GSW cases treated under extreme duress.
Dr. Derek Shepherd: Sustained a GSW to the chest. A bullet was lodged next to his aorta, causing massive bleeding. Cristina Yang took charge of the complex "clamp and sew" repair. During the surgery, he went into V-fib but was successfully resuscitated and the injury was controlled, all while the shooter was in the OR.
Dr. Charles Percy: Was shot and tragically died on the floor with Dr. Bailey because the elevators were shut down, preventing transport to an OR.
Dr. Alex Karev: Sustained a GSW to the chest. He was found unconscious and was stabilized with a chest tube and fluids before being transported to another hospital.
Dr. Owen Hunt: Was shot while protecting Cristina in the OR. The bullet was removed in an adjacent OR.
Meredith Grey: During the immense stress of the event, suffered a miscarriage.
Other Conditions Mentioned:
Post-operative Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP): A suspected post-op complication in another patient, requiring exchange plasmapheresis.
Acute Appendicitis: A routine case involving a 9-year-old girl that was interrupted by the lockdown.
Miscarriage (Spontaneous Abortion): Suffered by Meredith Grey during the shooting.
🔖 Key Takeaways
The Merger and Its Consequences: The hospital merger created a pressure-cooker environment, leading to diagnostic competitions, controversial patient outcomes like the fatal complications of smoke inhalation, and a constant struggle over limited resources and surgical opportunities.
"Rogue" and Innovative Surgeries: This season was marked by surgeons defying authority to perform high-risk, life-saving procedures. Key examples include Dr. Shepherd's "impossible" surgery to remove an inoperable spinal cord tumor and Dr. Altman's novel use of intrapleural hyperthermic chemotherapy to save a singer's lung.
Diagnostic Triumphs: The season featured several brilliant diagnostic "saves." Izzie's high school teacher was correctly diagnosed with Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus after being misdiagnosed with Alzheimer's, and Dr. Bailey's intern-era case of Porphyria highlighted the importance of looking for "zebras" among common symptoms.
The Active Shooter Finale: The season concluded with a terrifying two-part episode where a grieving gunman targeted surgeons, resulting in multiple, critical gunshot wounds to main characters. The crisis forced residents to perform life-saving surgery under extreme duress, leading to one of the most intense and tragic events in the show's history.
Groundbreaking Transplants: The season explored the frontiers of transplant medicine with two remarkable cases: an ex-vivo lung repair, where damaged donor lungs were repaired outside the body before being transplanted for the first time in the US, and a complex fetal surgery to treat Amniotic Band Syndrome.
